Chenani

Morrish Bible Dictionary

Levite who assisted Ezra at the solemn fast.  Nehemiah 9:4 .

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

Chenani . A Levite (  Nehemiah 9:4 ).

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Nehemiah 9:4

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

 Nehemiah 9:4.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Hebrews Kenani ´ , כְּנָנַי , probably abridged from כְּנִנְיָה , Chenaniah; Sept. Χανανί v. r. Χωνενί ) , one of the Levites who offered the public prayer on the occasion of the fast at the return from the captivity ( Nehemiah 9:4). B.C. 459. By the Sept. the word "Bani" ( בני ) preceding is read Υἱοί (like others adjoining), as if meaning "sons of Chenani." This reading is very probable, for there is not only another Bani in the verse, but one of Kennicott's MSS. (180), and six of De Eossi's, read בְּטֵי כְּנָנַי , "sons of Chenani," instead of בָּנַי כּ 8, "Bani, Chenani" (for there is no conjunction in the original). The Peshito version Assimilates the names of  Nehemiah 9:4 to those of  Nehemiah 9:5, Omits Chenani. and in place of it reads Pethahia. In the omission of Chenani, it is supported by the Cod. Frid.-August of the Sept., which omits Υἱοὶ Χωνενί (Prima Mana). The Vulgate and A. V., adhering to the Masoretic pointing, insert "and."

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kē̇ - nā´nı̄ ( כּנני , kenānı̄ , "planted"): One of the names mentioned in  Nehemiah 9:4 , in connection with the constitution of "congregation." If the names represent houses or families, eight Levitical houses probably sang some well-known psalm on this occasion. If they are names of individual representatives, they were probably deputed to recite or chant some special prayer in order to lead the worship of the people.